And for Wilson, he admits it has been "frustrating" at being behind Cole in the pecking order. He told the Times: "You try to keep upbeat, but it is a really tough situation to be in. You are still proud to be representing your country but you are on the bench and if you are not getting on, you feel you are not contributing."

He has been one of the form tight-heads in the Aviva Premiership this year and has put in a series of impressive performances for Bath. He played two Tests against Argentina in the summer for England and he knows better than most just how big a punch they can pack in the front-row.

The change to the scrum engagement favours big strong men, such as Wilson, as it does to the formidable Argentina front row.

"The new laws benefit bigger, stronger men who scrummage for a long period of time, such as Argentina," Wilson said. "If you have a weaker pack you are always going to be playing catch-up. They will get on top of you. If they are stronger than you, there is not a lot you can do now. It used to be easier with the hit, but now there's less scope to cheat."

He added: "It is massive physical contest. You are pushing for up to ten seconds. I actually hold my breath when I scrummage as well. Apparently you are stronger as it stabilises your diaphragm so your core is stronger. A scrum is a hard gruesome thing."